Described by promoters as “the most exciting band of 2012”, music fans can see what all the hype is about up-close when Alabama Shakes do two sideshows as part of their Australian visit in January for Big Day Out 2013.

Led by frontwoman Brittany Howard – whose “soul-drenched howl falls somewhere between Howlin’ Wolf and Janis Joplin” – the band have won admirers for their swagger-filled, blues-infused southern rock sounds. Other band members include Heath Fogg, Zac Cockrell, Steve Johnson and live keyboarder Ben Tanner.

Hailing from Alabama in the USA, the band’s debut album Boys & Girls was released in April, and peaked at No.8 on the charts in their homeland.

This is the band’s first visit to Australia, and fans can expect “an electrifying live show” as they treat fans to tracks from the album. They’ve also been known for some damn fine covers of tracks from legends such as Led Zeppelin, James Brown, AC/DC and Otis Redding.

Special guests are expected to be announced soon. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 21 at 9am from www.bigdayout.com.